Part 4: Arguments in Favor of the WTO

The arguments for the WTO are easy to make, since they are essentially arguments for free trade. In terms of economic theory, it’s a no-brainer: the WTO is good because it stands for free trade, and free trade is good because it enhances overall long-run productivity and social welfare.

This argument has any number of dimensions, familiar to the reader by now. Free trade will make the world more prosperous and therefore safer. It will discourage prejudice. It will promote civilization and help the environment. It will raise incomes in poor countries and promote good government in corrupt ones.

As you peruse the links below, you will encounter arguments that we have already covered at some length in favor of trade. Here, such arguments defend the WTO. You will also encounter ethical arguments and appeals to fairness. To what degree do such arguments address the actually existing WTO? To what degree do they address theoretical, rather than achieved, benefits of free trade?

WEBLINKS:

World Trade Organization, “The Case for Open Trade”
http://www.wto.org/english/thewto_e/whatis_e/tif_e/fact3_e.htm

World Trade Organization, “Ten Benefits of the WTO”
http://www.wto.org/english/thewto_e/whatis_e/10ben_e/10b00_e.htm

Renato Ruggiero, “From Vision to Reality: The Multilateral Trading System at Fifty"
http://www.wto.org/english/news_e/sprr_e/wash_e.htm

Supachai Panitchpakdi, “American Leadership and the World Trade Organization: What is the Alternative?”
http://www.wto.org/english/news_e/spsp_e/spsp22_e.htm

Fred L. Smith, “Free Trade for All”
http://www.cei.org/gencon/005,01318.cfm